Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Medical Students from a Saudi University Toward Postgraduate Training

Abstract

IntroductionChoosing a postgraduate career path is a significant and complex decision for medical students. It involves gaining knowledge about a wide array of specialties to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specialties. The current study explored Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, College of Medicine students’ perceived knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward postgraduate trainingMethodsThis was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey study conducted in April 2016 to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward postgraduate training among the students of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, College of Medicine.ResultsNinety-two students participated in the study. Of these, 74% were in the pre-clinical years (years 1, 2, and 3). The mean age of participants was 21. Students reported having a poor level of knowledge regarding the types of material covered in license exams (46.2% had responses classified under ‘poor’). Forty-six percent of students had a positive view of whether problem-based learning (PBL) prepared students for clinical scenarios. Of the total respondents, 24% reported having chosen a specialty while 78% of the students reported participating in extracurricular activities. Negative responses progressively decreased with each academic year.ConclusionThis study highlights the significant lack of knowledge of medical students about the covered types of material in Saudi medical licensing exams. Nevertheless, they have adequate levels of awareness and acknowledgment, improve themselves, and modify their own weaknesses. Moreover, medical students show a positive attitude towards PBL that gives the ability to connect and relate to undergraduate studies and apply it to clinical practice. The delay in perceiving their own interests leads to an inadequate shift of focus. However, more studies are mandatory to explore the reasons behind the medical students’ lack of knowledge and the factors involved in choosing their specialties.

Training needs assessment of postgraduate researchers of Pakistan

“…This is why respondents wanted to build their capacity in the areas of topic selection research design and methodology, data analysis and discussion, data analysis tools, report writing and publishing, literature and reference management skills. This study has identified a list of research skills needed by the research students which have also been highlighted in previous studies (Ahmed et al , 2019; Ameen et al , 2019; Bazeley, 1999; Bringer et al , 2004; Bruce, 1994; Dodania and LaPorte, 2008; Enders, 2004; Goodman, 1994; Johnston, 2006; Sayed et al , 1998; Trigwell and Dunbar-Goddet, 2005). This scenario demands institutions’ attention toward the training needs of the PGRs to meet their academic and research needs.…”